Yutaka Ozaki


Yutaka Ozaki was a Japanese singer-songwriter. His hit debut single "Jūgo no Yoru" and debut album Jūnanasai no Chizu were released in 1983. He died in 1992 at the age of 26.
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Biography

Early life

Ozaki was born at Japan Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital in Setagaya, Tokyo, to Kinue and Kenichi Ozaki. He had one older brother, Yasushi. Early in life, he was hospitalized with intestinal torsion and bronchitis which subsequently weakened his internal organs. In 1973 he began studying martial arts and continued training throughout his life. In January 1975 he began playing piano and in March of that year, he wrote his first poem. His first live performance was in 1978 at his school's cultural festival.

Career

Ozaki was discovered by producer Akira Sudo and signed to CBS Sony in 1983. He debuted in December 1983 while he was still attending high school with his hit single "Jūgo no Yoru" and his album Seventeen's Map. He gained tremendous support from his younger fanbase with his devastating live performances along with his unique lyrics that expressed dreams and love or the meaning of life. He represented the angst of adolescence, and a lot of the times attacked what he felt was unfair in society or schools.

Death

On April 25, 1992, Ozaki was found naked, drunk and unconscious in a Tokyo residential site. He was taken by ambulance but was soon dismissed from the hospital. He died several hours later. The cause of death was reported as pulmonary edema but many theories have arisen as to the actual cause of death, the most popular being homicide. Stimulants were detected in his body. He was survived by his wife, Shigemi, and his son, Hiroya Ozaki.

Tribute covers

Thelma Aoyama, Akina Nakamori, Mika Nakashima, Kazumasa Oda, Ryuichi Kawamura, Hikaru Utada, Ayaka, Kobukuro, Tsuyoshi Domoto and many other Japanese artists have covered Ozaki's song, "I Love You".
American singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson recorded an English-language cover of "I Love You" in her 2010 album Ms. Vocalist. In addition, American guitarist Marty Friedman recorded an instrumental cover of "I Love You" in his 2011 album Tokyo Jukebox 2.
Nanase Aikawa, Goto Maki, MINMI and Tomiko Van have covered "Oh My Little Girl". Shunsuke Kiyokiba also has covered two of his songs, "Taiyou no Hahen" and "Futatsu no Kokoro". Shimizu Shota covered his song, "Forget-Me-Not" and Mr. Children has covered "Boku ga Boku de Aru tame ni" on "ap' bank fes. 2010".
In 2013, K-pop artist and main vocalist of Big Bang, Daesung covered "I Love You" and it was used as the theme song for the drama I Love You.
In 2014, Tamai Shiroi of Momoiro Clover Z, sang a cover of "Graduation" for a special concert.

Discography

Singles

  • "Jūgo no Yoru" - The Night
  • "Jūnanasai no Chizu" - Seventeen's Map
  • "Hajimari-sae Utaenai" - Can't Sing Even the Beginning
  • "Sotsugyou" - Graduation
  • "Driving All Night"
  • "Kaku" - Core
  • "Taiyō no Hahen" - Scratch of the Sun
  • "Love Way"
  • "Tasogare-yuku Machi-de" - 57th Street
  • "Eien no Mune" - Eternal Heart
  • "I Love You"
  • "Kegareta Kizuna" - Bond
  • – posthumously released

Albums

  • Jūnanasai no Chizu - Seventeen's Map
  • Kaikisen - Tropic of Graduation
  • Kowareta Tobira kara - Through the Broken Door
  • Gairojū - Trees Lining a Street
  • Tanjou - Birth
  • Hounetsu e no Akashi - ''Confession for Exist''

Compilations

  • Aisu-beki Mono Subete-ni - For All My Loves
  • Artery & Vein – The Very Best of Yutaka Ozaki
  • ''13/71 – The Best Selection''

Live albums

  • Last Teenage Appearance – The Myth of Yutaka Ozaki
  • Yakusoku no Hi Vol.1 – The Day vol.1
  • Yakusoku no Hi Vol.2 – The Day vol.2
  • Missing Boy
  • Osaka Stadium on August 25 in 1985 Vol.1
  • ''Osaka Stadium on August 25 in 1985 Vol.2''

Movie

A 2011 TV-drama called Kaze no Shounen portrayed his life and in depth early career, from meeting his manager Sudo to his death. He was played by Hiroki Narimiya.